Halloween-Inspired Creative Challenge for Women | 13 Days of Play
There’s something about October. The air turns crisp, the leaves turn fiery shades of gold and crimson, and everywhere you look, skeletons are grinning and pumpkins are glowing. Halloween doesn’t just bring costumes and candy—it invites us into a season of imagination, of stepping outside ourselves, of play. And if there’s one thing we women often forget to give ourselves permission for, it’s play.
So here’s an idea: a Halloween-inspired creative challenge called the 13 Days of Play. Think of it as a mini adventure designed to help you shake off seriousness, embrace your inner child, and rediscover your creative spark. It’s not about perfection. It’s not about skill. It’s about freedom.
This October, let’s dare to dance with delight.
Why Play Matters for Women
We live in a world where women carry a lot. We’re caretakers, organizers, workers, dreamers, and doers. It’s easy to fall into rhythms of responsibility and forget that joy, silliness, and unstructured creativity aren’t luxuries—they’re fuel.
Psychologists remind us that play reduces stress, sharpens our problem-solving skills, and deepens our connections with others. And historically? Women have always used creativity to resist the grind—whether through quilting circles, recipe sharing, storytelling, or laughter around a kitchen table.
Halloween is the perfect excuse to let loose, be a little spooky, and a lot playful. And with just 13 days, it’s short enough to be do-able but long enough to create a magical shift in your perspective.
How the 13 Days of Play Works
The rules are simple:
- Start 13 days before Halloween. (Or whenever you’d like—it’s your challenge.)
- Each day, pick a playful creative prompt. Don’t overthink. Don’t aim for Pinterest perfection. Just do it.
- Share it if you want. Text a picture to a friend, post on social media, or keep it just for yourself.
- Have fun. Always.
The 13 Days of Play Prompts
Day 1: Pumpkin Personality
Carve, paint, or even doodle a pumpkin that represents your current mood. Is it a cheerful grin? A snarky smirk? A glamorous pumpkin wearing fake lashes? Let it reflect you.
Day 2: Witchy Wardrobe
Pull together a “witchy” outfit from what you already own. Maybe it’s just a long black dress, a chunky scarf, or a pair of boots. Bonus: wear it to the grocery store and see if anyone notices your magical vibe.
Day 3: Ghost Story Twist
Write a two-sentence ghost story—but make it funny, not scary. Here’s mine: The ghost moaned in the attic. Turns out, she was just annoyed no one had dusted in 70 years.
Day 4: Potion of Possibility
Mix up a playful drink—spiced cider, hot cocoa, a smoothie—and rename it something magical: Potion of Boldness, Elixir of Rest, or Latte of Eternal Youth.
Day 5: Mask of Many Faces
Grab paper and markers, or even makeup, and create a silly mask. It could be elegant, monstrous, or absurd. The goal? Step outside yourself for a moment.
Day 6: Candy Corn Confessions
Sit down with a piece of candy (yes, candy corn counts). As you eat it, write down one sweet memory from childhood. Simple. Quick. Heart-tugging.
Day 7: Haunted Playlist
Create a Halloween playlist with songs that make you feel alive. It could include “Monster Mash,” yes—but also Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks, or Taylor Swift. Dance in your kitchen.
Day 8: Trick-or-Treat Yourself
Buy yourself one small treat—chocolate, a cozy candle, a $5 nail polish—and enjoy it with no guilt. After all, the kids aren’t the only ones allowed to collect goodies.
Day 9: Monster Moves
Invent a dance inspired by your favorite monster. How would a mummy move? A zombie? A glamorous vampire? Be silly. Bonus if you rope in your kids, partner, or friends.
Day 10: Shadow Play
Turn off the lights, grab a flashlight, and make shadow puppets on the wall. (Yes, this will feel ridiculous. That’s the point.)
Day 11: Spell of Gratitude
On a slip of paper, write down three things you’re grateful for. Roll them up like a secret spell scroll, tie with ribbon, and tuck it into your purse. Carry that charm with you all day.
Day 12: Costume Memory Lane
Pull out an old photo of yourself in a Halloween costume—childhood or adulthood—and write a short note to that version of you. What would you say to her?
Day 13: The Midnight Cackle
On Halloween Eve (or night), step outside under the moon and laugh out loud. A real, unfiltered laugh. Release something heavy. Claim something joyful.
Making It Your Own
These prompts are just a starting point. If one doesn’t resonate, swap it out. Maybe you want to try baking creepy cupcakes, writing a poem to the moon, or sketching a haunted house. Maybe you want to involve your kids or girlfriends. The important part is that it’s playful, not pressured.
And if you miss a day? Who cares. Pick up where you left off. This isn’t a test—it’s an invitation.
The Power of Seasonal Creativity
What makes seasonal challenges like this so fun is that they anchor us in the moment. Instead of letting Halloween whirl by in a blur of candy wrappers and school parades, you get to savor it. Each day becomes a pause, a small celebration, a whispered “yes” to life.
And who knows? After these 13 days, you might find yourself continuing with “play prompts” in November, December, or beyond. Because once you remember how good play feels, you won’t want to stop.
Encouragement for the Hesitant
You might be thinking: I’m not creative. I don’t have time. This feels silly.
Here’s the truth:
- You are creative. Every woman is. We’ve just been taught to forget.
- You do have time. These prompts can be five minutes or fifty. Whatever you’ve got.
- Silly is healing. Laughter and lightness are medicine in a world that can feel too heavy.
So what do you have to lose? Grab your metaphorical broom and join in.
Closing Thoughts: A Season of Play
Halloween is often about pretending—becoming someone else for a night. But maybe this year, it can also be about becoming more yourself. Tapping into your playful side, your creative spark, your laughter that’s been waiting under the surface.
The 13 Days of Play is a reminder that we don’t outgrow imagination. That we’re allowed—no, encouraged—to live with a little mischief and magic. So this October, as the pumpkins glow and the ghosts gather, say yes to play. You’ll be surprised how alive it makes you feel.
Your turn: Which of these prompts will you try first? Or will you create your own? However you begin, I hope you give yourself permission to play. After all, life is too short not to dance with the shadows.
